Rs 5-40 lakh bank surety imposed on builders to ensure STPs

In a significant move aimed at ensuring the proper functioning of sewage treatment plants (STPs) in housing complexes, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has implemented bank guarantees ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 40 lakh for builders involved in constructing more than 25 units within such complexes.Mr. Mahesh Patil, Chairman of GSPCB, emphasized that the decision was prompted by numerous complaints from the public, highlighting instances where STPs within housing complexes became dysfunctional after builders handed over the properties to housing societies. To address this concern, the imposition of bank guarantees on builders has been deemed necessary to hold them accountable for the functionality of STPs.Builders will be required to provide bank guarantees corresponding to the project's cost, which varies between Rs 5 crore to over Rs 500 crore. Patil further explained that builders will be obligated to furnish these bank guarantees at the time of applying for the consent to establish. During this stage, GSPCB officials will conduct on-site inspections of the complexes to assess the proper functioning of the STPs.This proactive measure by the GSPCB is expected to promote accountability among builders, ensuring that sewage treatment facilities are not only installed but also maintained effectively, thereby contributing to environmental conservation and public health.